IRENE Chesterman has been named Life Member of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW, the organisation’s highest honour, after serving as a hospital volunteer for 31 years.

The award would have been presented to the humble 80-year-old at the UHA’s State Conference in Orange in October, but COVID lockdowns have denied the Bellingen volunteer her moment on centre stage, missing out on a personal presentation by the NSW Governor, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC.

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Described by her Branch President Deb Anderson as “dedicated, energetic and tremendously valued”, Irene, the only Life Member recipient in the North Eastern Region this year, joined the UHA as a volunteer at Ryde Hospital in 1990.

“Irene’s community-mindedness is profound,” said Deb Anderson.

“There is no doubt she is deserving of the UHA’s highest honour.”

Transferring to the Bellingen Pink Auxiliary in 1993, Irene became Branch President.

Irene was a regular visitor at the Bellinger River District Hospital until COVID-19 resulted in volunteer services being suspended as part of the recent regional lockdown.

She would shop for patients but, more importantly, provided a friendly smile and kind words to those in the hospital.

Her personal connection with countless patients over the years complemented her fundraising commitment to the hospital; selling raffle tickets at UHA street stalls to help fund medical equipment for the hospital.

“Irene is a compassionate, kind and generous person,” Deb said.

“She has always been a willing mentor to branch members and office bearers, and she promotes the work of the auxiliary in our community, encouraging residents to join and leads by example.

“Irene is a practical woman, well-respected by our members and in the broader community.

“She is a proud member of the UHA and our branch and is focused on the welfare of our community’s public hospital.

“Irene deserves this accolade, we are all very proud of her achievements over many, many years.”

Irene Chesterman joins an elite Life Membership cohort that includes Bellingen’s Nancy Hobson, a branch member for more than 40 years who also has the honour of being branch patron.

By Andrea FERRARI